grundvallarhandrit

Grundvallarhandrit, literally foundational manuscripts, is a term used in Icelandic manuscript studies to describe a core set of manuscripts that underpin the study and editing of Old Norse-Icelandic literature, especially saga literature and skaldic poetry. The concept denotes texts that are considered most reliable for reconstructing original wording, mapping transmission histories, and guiding interpretive analysis. In practice, grundvallarhandrit serve as reference points in textual criticism, philology, and editorial projects; they are used to establish stemma relationships, identify variants, and help date and locate provenance.

The selection of grundvallarhandrit is not fixed; different editors may prioritize different manuscripts depending on the corpus and research aims. Common criteria include antiquity, textual coverage, stability of transmission, representativeness of a textual tradition, and documented provenance. When a manuscript is designated as foundational, it is typically treated as providing the most trustworthy readings for the parts it preserves. Foundational manuscripts are often complemented by other witnesses, including later copies and fragmentary texts, to form a fuller picture of the tradition.

The concept has particular relevance in modern editions and digital projects that aim to make high-quality critical readings available. Digital databases may annotate readings from grundvallarhandrit and show variants across witnesses, enabling researchers to assess uncertainty and to trace scribal practices. While the term signals a methodological ideal, no universal fixed list exists; the set of manuscripts considered foundational varies by text, scholarly group, and edition project.